A Kent MP has told of her shock at reports that people are claiming to be canvassing opinion on her behalf about an asylum seeker accommodation site.

Helen Whateley has been informed that individuals are knocking on doors in Faversham asking for residents’ views on Acacia Court - and saying they have been asked to do so by her.

The Faversham and Mid Kent MP warned: “If this happens to you, please feel free to refer to this message from me. They are not acting on my behalf.”

It comes after an anti-immigration protest was held last month outside Acacia Court - a former care home now used by Kent County Council (KCC) to house unaccompanied asylum-seeking children.

Another such rally is being held in Canterbury today.

In a statement yesterday, Ms Whately said: “I am shocked to hear reports of people knocking on doors in Faversham asking for residents’ views on Acacia Court and saying that they are doing so on my behalf. Let me be very clear: they are not.”

She said that while she is due to have a meeting in the coming weeks with a group of residents who want to discuss Acacia Court, she has “not asked anyone to canvass opinion or knock on doors about this”.

The Tory added: “Please share this post with your local friends and neighbours, so they are aware.”

Police have put plans in place ahead of today’s protest in Canterbury.

It will be the second demonstration in as many months outside Connors House in Craddock Road – another former care home now used by KCC to house unaccompanied asylum-seeking children.

Officers say they are liaising with organisers and will have “sufficient resources in place” to manage the event and minimise disruption to the public.

It comes after Faversham-based activist Harry Hilden - who was also behind last month’s Acacia Court protest - announced plans for Saturday’s march through the city.

Hilden – who has made a series of unsavoury remarks about those at Connors House online – previously organised a similar event in September, during which he waved used toilet paper at a KMTV reporter.

As with the last such demonstration in Canterbury, a counter-protest is being organised by groups such as Stand Up to Racism.

“The far-right object to three children that are only there temporarily,” images promoting the counter protest read.

“We refuse to allow them to intimidate residents.”

Kent Police said: “Kent Police is aware of a planned protest in Canterbury on Saturday, October 25.

“The force is in contact with the organisers and will have sufficient resources in place to both facilitate peaceful protests and keep any disruption to the wider public to a minimum.”

Images shared on social media also show plans for protests in Medway, Dartford, Gravesend and Folkestone in November.